Under the twilight, the Land of Earth appeared somewhat eerie.
Various gigantic and strangely shaped stone pillars seemed to transform into demons at this hour.
However, this unsettling environment could not affect this team in the slightest.
It was a six-person team, including Yakushi Nonou, Kabuto, and a Shadow Clone.
With the cooperation of the innkeeper, coupled with the Byakugan and Sharingan within the team, and two top-tier spies, their journey had been smooth and uneventful.
After a period of travel, Kabuto and Yakushi Nonou finally recognized each other.
The Shadow Clone did not reveal the information it knew; the two top spies understood the problem as soon as they confirmed each other's identities.
Kabuto naturally understood the purpose of the Shadow Clone's previous actions.
However, Kabuto felt no aversion, for Yuuki had indeed given him a goal when he was most lost, and Danzo had also been killed by Yuuki.
Therefore, Kabuto held even greater respect for Yuuki, but Yakushi Nonou's gaze towards the Shadow Clone was somewhat peculiar.
At this moment, the Shadow Clone couldn't help but exclaim that Orochimaru truly lived up to his reputation as the Ninja World's master of multi-level marketing!
Just as the Shadow Clone was thinking about Orochimaru's clever methods, a slender figure appeared in front of the six of them.
Speaking of the devil, standing before them was none other than one of Konoha's original Sannin, the Ninja World's master of multi-level marketing, the Ninja World's pioneer of science, Orochimaru!!!
That day, ever since Orochimaru went to Kabuto's location and found it deserted, he had initially planned to give up.
But after several subsequent experiments, he realized he couldn't manage everything alone and remembered Kabuto, that highly talented child.
Based on Orochimaru's understanding of Kabuto, he naturally knew what Kabuto cared about.
And Orochimaru, who was still in his honeymoon phase with Danzo four years ago, naturally knew about Yakushi Nonou's mission and most of Root's evacuation routes.
Therefore, Orochimaru had been waiting there early; he was quite patient with Kabuto.
Orochimaru planned to wait for a month in the Land of Earth; Orochimaru, who valued his lifespan immensely, was willing to spend a month waiting for Kabuto.
All of Root's evacuation routes in the Land of Earth were now covered with snakes placed by Orochimaru.
For concealment, Orochimaru did not directly summon snakes from Ryūchi Cave but integrated the existing snakes in the vicinity with those from Ryūchi Cave.
Then, he had these snakes spread everywhere, and when Kabuto and the others took this path, their traces were already detected.
The Hyuga Ninja from the Military Police Force did not fail to notice; it was just an ordinary snake, and they had seen many along the way.
Having received the intelligence, Orochimaru had been waiting there early, filled with anticipation.
"I hope it's you, Kabuto!"
As the group saw Orochimaru, Orochimaru also saw them all.
Seeing the familiar silver-haired youth in the crowd, Orochimaru smiled silently.
"That's Orochimaru! How is that possible!"
The Hyuga Clan Ninja appeared extremely shocked; his Byakugan had been activated the entire time.
Before Orochimaru actively appeared, let alone a person, he hadn't even seen a living creature here.
At this point, one had to praise Orochimaru's research into Ninjutsu; you could doubt Orochimaru's combat strength, but you absolutely could not doubt Orochimaru's versatility!!!
That was Orochimaru, who hadn't even mastered Sage Mode himself but could still research and develop a low-cost version of Sage Mode.
And this was just one of Orochimaru's many researches; no one could know how many strange and bizarre abilities Orochimaru truly possessed.
The Shadow Clone was not at all surprised that Orochimaru could evade the Byakugan's detection; it merely speculated about Orochimaru's purpose.
The Shadow Clone looked at Kabuto twice; he felt that Orochimaru's purpose could only be Kabuto.
The two Uchiha clansmen also instantly activated their Sharingan, preparing for battle.
Kabuto and Yakushi Nonou clearly knew Orochimaru as well; both of them took out their weapons from their Ninja pouches.
And when the Shadow Clone saw Orochimaru opposite him, his heart rejoiced; finally, finally, there was someone decent!
The Shadow Clone did not assume a fighting stance; after stopping, he stood with his hands behind his back, quietly observing Orochimaru.
Orochimaru took in the reactions of the group; although Orochimaru's target was Kabuto, seeing such an interesting junior at this moment also piqued Orochimaru's interest in Yuuki.
Orochimaru had heard of Yuuki's reputation long ago, after all, he was a genius from Konoha.
But at that time, Orochimaru in Konoha was already engrossed in various experiments, so he had not met Yuuki.
The most recent time was because of Danzo; Danzo had eagerly placed an order with him, even offering many premiums.
This made Orochimaru realize that Danzo was likely dealing with a troublesome enemy, followed by the news of Danzo's death, and he heard the name Uchiha Tomoki again.
At this moment, Orochimaru did not know that the person who greatly interested him was Uchiha Tomoki's Shadow Clone.
Orochimaru looked at the Shadow Clone, his mouth open, his long tongue sweeping around his entire face, a sinister smile on his face.
"Interesting young man, could you tell me your name?"
Upon hearing Orochimaru's question, the Shadow Clone looked up at a 45-degree angle towards the sky, first sighing, then speaking.
"Alas~"
"At the end of the Ninja path, who stands supreme? At the sight of Yuuki, the path becomes empty!"
"That describes me; yes, I am Uchiha Tomoki!"
At this point, the Shadow Clone paused before continuing.
"'s Shadow Clone!"
At this moment, black lines appeared on the faces of everyone present....
Yakushi Nonou's gaze towards Yuuki grew stranger, and even Kabuto's eyes held some inexplicable meaning.
Is this my meaning?
Orochimaru, however, couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! It's been a long time since I've been so happy; Yuuki-kun reminds me of someone!"
The figure that appeared in Orochimaru's mind at this moment was Jiraiya, that guy always recited such nonsensical poems when introducing himself.
The Shadow Clone was a bit awkward at this moment; alas, its strength was too weak, it couldn't even pretend to be cool on purpose.
How I envy the main body; it always pretends so subtly, so naturally; I also want to pretend to be cool invisibly!
Knowing that his attempt to show off had failed, the Shadow Clone immediately comforted himself: as long as I'm not embarrassed, others will be.
Anyway, I'm just a Shadow Clone; after today, no one will probably remember me, so I must seize the time.
The Shadow Clone masked its embarrassment and spoke in a commanding tone.
"State your purpose, Orochimaru!"
"Yuuki-kun is quite impatient, isn't he? I'm very interested in someone who could kill Danzo, and I'd like to chat a bit more."
Thinking of a certain idiot, Orochimaru was in a good mood and didn't mind the Shadow Clone's tone.
"I'm not asking a second time!"
"Heh heh, no need to be angry, Yuuki-kun. My purpose is simple: that child, Kabuto, is quite helpful to me. I wonder if Yuuki-kun could give him to me?"
Orochimaru asked calmly.
"Hmph! Kabuto is a member of my Military Police Force. For a rogue Ninja like you to try and lay claim to him is simply laughable. Be sensible and get out of the way!"
The Shadow Clone outwardly showed no regard for Orochimaru, but inwardly, he was overjoyed.
'Oh, this is awesome! This is She Shu! Being able to show off in front of She Shu makes my short life worthwhile.'
Orochimaru's face darkened at this moment; as a renowned strong Ninja in the Ninja World, how could he not be angry at such humiliation.
"Yuuki-kun, if it were you yourself, perhaps I would indeed make way, but you are merely a Shadow Clone. Who gave you the audacity to speak to me like that?!"
Immediately, Orochimaru unleashed his full aura without reservation.
Among the six, the only one unaffected was probably the Shadow Clone; the other five's bodies stiffened somewhat.
"Today, all of you will remain here!"
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
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